What do you need for your first day as a substitute teacher?

For your first day as a substitute teacher, you need your Driver's License for check-in, a teacher's bag with essentials like lunch/snacks, backup activities (worksheets, books), pens/pencils/paper, a clipboard, and personal items like hand sanitizer, plus a professional outfit, while also preparing to be calm, firm, and organized.

What to bring first day substitute teaching?

My lunch, water, coffee, headache pills, pen, pencil, post it, note pad for leaving teacher a note (usually do email if a computer is available) stickers or reward candies. Silent ball. Change of indoor shoes and warm clothing for outside plus my safety vest, as a sub I'm always put on multiple yard duties that day.

How to prepare for the first day of subbing?

Greet students by door. Introduce yourself and tell them sorry if things are a little different. Pick a special helper to ask questions, students love to help you out and teach you how to do things in their classroom. Get started on the first task- probably a warm up. Do roll and lunch count.

What supplies should a substitute teacher have?

Lunch with water, prescription glasses, coffee travel mug, seasonal books depending on grade level, phone, visor ( for unexpected long periods outside), kindle in order to read during lunch, hand sanitizer.

What to do as a first time substitute teacher?

1. Put together a substitute teacher bag. It's a good idea to always be prepared when substitute teaching. ...
2. Arrive early. ...
3. Create a routine for the beginning of class. ...
4. Be understanding. ...
5. Use other teachers as a resource. ...
6. Maintain control of the classroom. ...
7. Consider any special needs students. ...
8. Have a backup plan.

10 Substitute Teacher Tips

Is subbing harder than teaching?

Subbing is often considered harder than full-time teaching because of the constant unpredictability, lack of established relationships, and pressure to manage classrooms with unfamiliar students and often incomplete lesson plans, requiring immense flexibility and quick adaptation, whereas a full-time teacher benefits from knowing routines, students, and curriculum, though they face the demands of planning and grading. While subbing offers flexibility (no grading/planning outside work), the day-to-day chaos, testing by students, and logistical hurdles (like finding the bathroom) make it extremely demanding. 

What is the 10 minute rule in teaching?

The "10-minute teacher rule" generally refers to guidelines for homework (10 mins per grade level, e.g., 2nd grade = 20 mins) endorsed by groups like the NEA and PTA, suggesting limits to avoid student overload. However, it can also mean a classroom management technique where teachers change activities every 10 minutes to maintain focus, as students' attention wanes after that time. A related, but different, concept is the "10/10 Rule," which keeps students in the classroom for the first and last 10 minutes to avoid disruptions and ensure they get key instructions and summaries. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

What not to do as a substitute teacher?

As a substitute teacher, avoid being unprofessional (using phone, snooping, rearranging rooms), getting too friendly or too strict, taking misbehavior personally, making threats, leaving students unsupervised, or failing to follow the original teacher's plans/notes, as these actions create chaos, erode authority, and can lead to safety issues or complaints. Focus on maintaining a firm but kind demeanor, enforcing clear expectations, and ensuring student safety and learning. 

What is a sub pack for substitute teachers?

Included in a sub pack are items that will help make sure you have a successful day, no matter what classroom you're teaching in. Having one with you is also helpful if the students have finished all their work the teacher has left for them—you will have a backup plan.

How much money does a sub make a day?

Long-Term Substitute Pay: Assignments that last several weeks or months often pay significantly more—sometimes up to $250 per day or higher. In some districts, long-term substitutes receive prorated salaries that align with full-time teacher pay.

What to wear when subbing?

Pants should be business casual or khakis. Acceptable Tops: button-down shirts, blouses, polo shirts, dressy/nice sweaters, business-like short or long-sleeve shirts. Acceptable Footwear: closed-toe shoes are a must - loafers, dress-shoes, pumps, business-casual flats or slip-ons for ladies is also acceptable.

How early should I arrive as a substitute teacher?

Arrive early, at least 15 minutes before school starts. Use that time to get familiar with the classroom, the building and any lesson plans the classroom teacher might have left for you. Ask questions.

How should a sub dress?

The basic expectation across schools is that substitutes dress in professional attire. This includes attire such as collared and polo shirts, blouses, sweaters, slacks, skirts, dresses, and nice shoes. Jeans of any kind, leggings, hoodies, exercise or lounge wear, and casual sandals are not considered professional.

What is the #1 most important trait in a substitute teacher?

The number one common trait of successful substitute teachers is adaptability or flexibility, allowing them to quickly adjust to different classrooms, subjects, age groups, and unexpected challenges like missing lesson plans or behavioral issues, while maintaining a positive attitude and strong classroom management to keep students engaged and learning. 

Where do substitute teachers keep their bag if you need to leave the room?

Usually there's a closet I keep it in the classroom. If there's no closet I'll put somewhere near my desk either a window sill or a table. I put my DL, Debit card and a little cash in a small change purse and place it in the bag I take in.

Why do substitute teachers quit?

Substitute teachers are quitting due to a combination of low pay, lack of benefits, poor working conditions (especially challenging classrooms with behavioral issues and no support), health concerns, job insecurity, and burnout, with many finding better pay and stability in other sectors, while also feeling disrespected and lacking professional growth opportunities, leading to high turnover. 

How do I prepare for my first day as a substitute teacher?

7 First-day Substitute Teacher Tips

1. One of the solutions to the guest teacher's woes is to arrive early.
2. Check in at the front desk to get your bearings.
3. Use classroom management techniques to introduce yourself.
4. Ask your next-door teacher or the most responsible student in the class for help.

What are the 7 classroom rules?

Each rule encourages responsibility, kindness, and a love of learning in every student.

• Respect Your Teacher and Classmates. ...
• Raise Your Hand Before Speaking. ...
• Come to Class Prepared. ...
• Follow Directions the First Time. ...
• Keep Your Hands, Feet, and Objects to Yourself. ...
• Use Inside Voices. ...
• Stay in Your Seat Unless You Have Permission.

What are the 5 P's classroom rules?

The 5 Ps of classroom management are common behavioral expectations: Prompt, Prepared, Polite, Productive, and Positive (or Patient), creating a framework for a respectful and efficient learning environment where students arrive on time, have materials, respect others, stay on task, and maintain an optimistic outlook. These principles guide student conduct, helping minimize distractions and foster a positive classroom culture focused on learning. 

What are the 7 essential teaching skills?

The 7 essential teaching skills often highlighted are Communication, Adaptability, Classroom Management, Creativity, Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving, Active Listening, and Organization & Time Management, all crucial for fostering an engaging, supportive learning environment and meeting diverse student needs. 

What is the Goldilocks principle in teaching?

The 'Goldilocks principle' states that teachers should focus on material that is not too easy or too hard, but 'just right'.

Is 7 absences bad in school?

Yes, 7 absences can be considered bad and concerning, often crossing the line into "chronic absenteeism" (missing 10% of school, around 18 days/year) or even triggering truancy in some areas, leading to learning gaps, difficulty reading, and lower graduation rates, though the impact varies by school policy and if absences are excused or unexcused. It's crucial to check your specific school's policy as they often have different rules for excused vs. unexcused absences and can intervene with support for excessive absences. 

What are the big 5 classroom rules?

The 5 golden rules for a classroom focus on respect, readiness, and responsibility, often summarized as Be Respectful, Be Prepared, Be Responsible, Listen/Follow Directions, and Participate/Be Positive, creating a positive and effective learning environment by promoting kindness, preparedness, active engagement, and clear expectations for behavior and work.